BRADFORD'S repeated triumph as the Curry Capital of Britain has led competition organisers to use it as a blueprint to help other cities find the recipe for success.

The city took the title for the fourth time running last year and now local authorities across the country are being encouraged to take tips from the best.

When Bradford was named the Curry Capital of Britain last October, the founder and organiser of the competition, Peter Grove, said it had the "magic formula".

The city's bid for the 2014 title included poppadom challenges, an Asian afternoon tea and the creation of a healthy-style Asian cookbook.

Mr Grove said Bradford had used "curry as a bonding agent to bring different aspects of Bradford society together."

Now, 22 councils across the country have been sent information about this year's battle and a copy of the "Bradford Model."

Mr Grove's letter to local authorities says: "With Bradford having won for the fourth year running last year, many have assumed that the title will always go to one of a very small handful of cities conventionally associated with curry.

"This, however, was not the reason Bradford won last year so perhaps by showing what they did, other councils can perhaps appreciate what they judges are looking for better."

He said the event was not about curry restaurants alone.

"Instead the event is about something more. Last year Bradford won the title yet again and impressed the judges to the extent that the Bradford model can show all councils exactly what the judges are looking for."

The model says winning the title is not just about excellent, popular restaurant, the number of restaurants nominated, the amount of money raised for charity or the enthusiasm of the Council, although all were important.

"What we are looking for can be summed up in one brief phrase - community cohesion through curry," said Mr Grove, president of The Federation of Specialist Restaurants.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the Council's executive member for employment, skills and culture, said: "It's great that Bradford's domination of the Curry Capital of Britain is being used as an exemplar for other towns to follow. They do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

"The VisitBradford team have worked incredibly hard to earn the Curry Capital accolade involving all sections of the community in the winning bids.

"It also helps, of course, that we do have the best curry restaurants in the country here in Bradford and that's not something anyone can easily imitate."

Voting for the event, which is now part of October's National Curry Week, opens on Wednesday, April 1. People can use vote@fedrest.com to name their favourite curry restaurant.

In August, the top four venues in each city will be announced to represent their area.

The winner will be announced on Sunday, October 18.